Parenting

Natural selection

PAULA GOODYER With IVF offering a monthly pregnancy rate that is two to three times higher than nature, it will always appeal to couples in the stressed-out 21st century. But achieving a pregnancy can be a bit like painting a wall, It's all in the preparation.

Predict ovulation

Ovulation Calculator

Increase your chances of getting pregnant by determining when you are most fertile with Essential Baby's Ovulation Calculator.

considerations

Ready to start a family?

Having a child is almost certainly the biggest responsibility you will face. They turn your life (and house!) upside down and all of a sudden you have a small life whose existence depends on you.

Pregnancy symptoms

Am I pregnant?

Some women may feel pregnant soon after conception, while others may not experience any symptoms for some time into their pregnancy.

Conceiving a baby

Having a child today as compared to having children 20 years ago is quite different. These days we can make a conscious choice about whether or not to have children, and we can also choose when we will have them.

Sexual positions for conceiving

When it comes to conception there is a lot of discussion about successful positions for ‘making babies’. Unfortunately there is no widely-accepted ‘best position’ but here are some answers to common questions surrounding the act of conceiving.

A man's guide to conception

There are some pretty important basics that you should be aware of if you want to successfully conceive.

Your menstrual cycle

It’s probably been a good few years since high school biology and chances are your memory is a little hazy when it comes to explaining your cycle in detail.

Healthy eating habits

Nutritional status of both parents prior to conception can influence the health and well-being of your baby and its chances of optimum health throughout life.

Misconceiving

NICOLE SALINAS Sex education is important for young adults but it can often leave one with a lasting impression that falling pregnant is easy. Whilst this may be the case for some on average it can take a healthy couple up to twelve months to conceive.

Relationship considerations

Having your first baby initiates one of the biggest changes to your lifestyle that you will ever experience. While additional children will also bring changes, it is generally the first baby that causes the biggest shock!

How to have a baby on a budget

JODIE MCEWEN We didn’t set out on this parenthood journey looking to become financially rich, and yes, it takes money to raise a family. But how much does it really cost?

EB Newsletters

Essential Baby offer a great range of newsletters each month to keep up with the EB community, track the development of your pregnancy or child's development or just to provide updates on topics of interest to you

Fertility problems

Conception is not always immediate, in fact for couples not using contraception, only approximately 25% of women will conceive within the first month of trying.

Assisted conception and IVF

Some couples may need to investigate the options provided by some form of assisted conception. Assisted conception means using reproductive technology to increase your chances of getting pregnant during the month that you undergo assisted conception treatments.

Books to read on pregnancy and parenting

Essential Baby sources the best books on conception, pregnancy, birth, diet, baby care and women's care.

Gender selection

Gender selection is a much-talked of topic among our forum users, especially those pregnant or trying to conceive. Whilst many consider gender selection something of an urban myth, others swear by it. Either way you have a 50% chance of ‘getting it right’!

Develop and maintain physical fitness

Moderate exercise is important for good health, whether you are trying to become pregnant or not.

Healthy eating habits

Nutritional status of both parents prior to conception can influence the health and well-being of your baby and its chances of optimum health throughout life.

'Breast is best' support

Mothers will be encouraged to feed their babies only breast milk for the first six months as part of an ambitious new national breastfeeding policy.

Back to school

From labels to lunchboxes and stationery to sunscreen - here are some great back to school ideas

Reinventing your childhood for your children

The kids were bursting knowing they would be able to ride on the street! Being allowed to take your bike on the road!

Girls around the world born into inequality

My new daughter’s health and bubbly personality has highlighted for me the inequalities in our world, particularly for girls.

Mortgage free in four years

I clearly recall the day we decided to pay off our mortgage. My husband and I were sitting in the computer room with a cup of coffee.

Win a night out at FindABabysitter.com.au!

We have several $200 Visa gift cards up for grabs, so start organising your child care for 2010 for your chance to win.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is often a real challenge mothers face with their newborns. Find out information and advice.

Is it wrong to judge a child based on their name?

2 Judge, or Not 2 Judge . . . What do you think of “unique” names and “creative” spelling?

Eating and drinking while pregnant

Are we too paranoid? What is your attitude towards eating and drinking while pregnant? Did you take the risk with listeria foods?

Weekly guide to your pregnancy

Find out what changes are happening to your body and see how your baby is developing each week of your pregnancy.

Find a Babysitter

Never be stuck without a babysitter again! Australia's No.1 Babysitter and Nanny Directory is easy, affordable and effective.

Find A Babysitter

Essentials Editor's Pick Mum in Profile Feature Member

Child care waiting list too long?

Our recent survey revealed that 1 in 5 mums are waiting longer than 18 months. Recruit a qualified local carer with Australia’s largest Babysitter and Nanny directory.

About Essential Baby

Essential Baby is the place to find great information, resources and support relating to conception, pregnancy, birth, baby, toddlers, kids and parenting.  Find information about conception, pregnancy, maternity, baby names, contact information for baby support services and more. You can shop online for baby clothes, maternity clothes, maternity accessories, breastfeeding clothes and nursing wear, nappies, mothers bags, baby toys, nursery products and more.  You can also access our very active discussion groups to talk to others about conception, pregnancy, birth, baby and parenting.